🌍 Overview
Shanghai, the economic powerhouse of China, has emerged as a haven for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of affordability, infrastructure, and lifestyle. As a rising hub for remote work, Shanghai offers a diverse range of coworking spaces, a thriving community of like-minded individuals, and a vibrant cultural landscape that’s hard to resist. With its futuristic skyline, bustling streets, and mouth-watering food scene, Shanghai has become an attractive destination for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers from around the world. As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Shanghai home for several months, and I’m excited to share my insider knowledge with you.
One of the primary draws for digital nomads is Shanghai’s surprisingly affordable cost of living. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for as little as ~$959/month, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their dollar. Additionally, the city’s food scene offers a plethora of options, from street food to high-end restaurants, with an average meal costing around ~$3.3. And, of course, no coffee lover’s trip is complete without a visit to one of the many cafes offering top-notch brews for ~$2.9.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
The Bund (Waigaoqiao)
Located along the iconic Huangpu River, The Bund is a stunning waterfront area that’s a must-visit for anyone in Shanghai. The neighborhood boasts a mix of colonial-era architecture, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants, making it a popular spot for expats and locals alike. For remote workers, The Bund offers a range of coworking spaces, including the stylish Bund 18 and the more affordable Bund 1.
Pros: stunning views, upscale atmosphere, easy access to public transport Cons: can be crowded, expensive coffee options Typical monthly rent range: ~$1,500 - ~$3,000 Notable streets: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu Road Why nomads choose this area: proximity to public transport, stunning views, upscale amenities
Xuhui (Xujiahui)
Xuhui, also known as Xujiahui, is a charming neighborhood in western Shanghai that’s steeped in history and culture. This area is home to some of the city’s best museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, making it a haven for creatives and culture vultures. For remote workers, Xuhui offers a range of coworking spaces, including the popular Xujiahui coworking space and the more affordable Huijia.
Pros: rich cultural heritage, affordable rent, vibrant community Cons: can be hilly, traffic congestion Typical monthly rent range: ~$800 - ~$1,500 Notable streets: Huashan Road, Xujiahui Road Why nomads choose this area: rich cultural heritage, affordable rent, vibrant community
French Concession (Xuhui)
The French Concession, or Xuhui, is a charming neighborhood that’s steeped in history and elegance. This area is home to some of the city’s most beautiful colonial-era architecture, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants, making it a popular spot for expats and locals alike. For remote workers, The French Concession offers a range of coworking spaces, including the stylish French Concession coworking space and the more affordable Xuhui coworking space.
Pros: stunning architecture, upscale atmosphere, easy access to public transport Cons: can be expensive, crowded Typical monthly rent range: ~$1,000 - ~$2,500 Notable streets: Wukang Road, Fuxing Road Why nomads choose this area: proximity to public transport, stunning architecture, upscale amenities
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
Shanghai offers a range of coworking spaces to suit every budget and style. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Bund 18 (monthly rates: ~$200 - ~$500)
- Bund 1 (monthly rates: ~$100 - ~$300)
- Xujiahui coworking space (monthly rates: ~$150 - ~$350)
- Huijia (monthly rates: ~$80 - ~$200)
Internet Quality
Shanghai’s internet infrastructure is decent, with average speeds of around 2 Mbps. While this may not be the fastest speed in the world, it’s sufficient for most remote work requirements. Fiber availability is limited in some areas, so be sure to check with your landlord or coworking space before signing up.
Nomad Community
Shanghai’s nomad community is thriving, with a range of meetups, events, and Facebook groups to connect with like-minded individuals. Some popular meetups include:
- Shanghai Digital Nomads (Facebook group)
- Shanghai Nomad Meetup (monthly meetup)
- Remote Work Shanghai (bi-weekly meetup)
Best Cafes to Work from
Shanghai is home to some of the world’s best cafes, many of which offer excellent wifi and power outlets. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Mikkeller & Friends (Zhongshan East 2nd Road)
- BrewDog (Huangpu Road)
- 8 Degrees (Fuxing Road)
- The Brew (Wukang Road)
Visa Options
Shanghai offers a range of visa options for remote workers, including:
- L-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
- M-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
- Q1-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
Banking and Practical Setup
Shanghai offers a range of banking options, including:
- China Construction Bank (CCB)
- Agricultural Bank of China (ABC)
- Bank of China (BOC)
To set up a Chinese bank account, you’ll need to provide:
- Passport
- ID card
- Proof of address
- Minimum deposit of ~$1,000
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Shanghai is a city that’s constantly reinventing itself, with a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Here are a few insider tips to help you navigate the city’s cultural landscape:
- Local customs and etiquette:
- Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. Always bow or use both hands to give or receive something from someone older than you.
- Never eat with your left hand, as this is considered impolite.
- Always remove your shoes before entering a home or temple.
- Food scene highlights:
- Try the city’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Jian Guo 66.
- Sample the city’s best street food at the Huangpuxi Food Street.
- Enjoy a traditional Shanghai dinner at the historic M on the Bund.
- Nightlife and social scene:
- Head to the French Concession for a night out at one of the many bars and clubs.
- Visit the trendy Xintiandi area for a more upscale nightlife experience.
- Join the Shanghai Nomad Meetup for a chance to meet other remote workers and expats.
⭐ Highlights
Here are a few must-see attractions and experiences that you won’t want to miss:
- The Bund (stunning waterfront views, iconic architecture)
- Shanghai Tower (tallest building in China, panoramic views)
- Yuyuan Garden (traditional Chinese garden, stunning architecture)
- Shanghai Museum (world-class museum, extensive collection)
- French Concession (charming neighborhood, colonial-era architecture)
- Huangpu River Cruise (stunning views of the city, romantic atmosphere)
- Shanghai Old Street (traditional Chinese street, shopping and dining)
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few essential tips to help you navigate Shanghai like a local:
- Visa requirements:
- US citizens: L-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
- EU citizens: L-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
- UK citizens: M-visa (30-day visa, ~$30)
- Getting around:
- Shanghai Metro (efficient, affordable, extensive network)
- Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber, affordable, reliable)
- Shanghai Taxi (affordable, but be prepared for some language barriers)
- Safety considerations:
- Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas
- Avoid walking alone at night in some areas
- Follow local customs and etiquette to avoid offending locals
- Best time to visit:
- Spring (March-May) for mild weather and festivals
- Autumn (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and harvest festivals
- Local tips and warnings:
- Be prepared for crowds and chaos in popular areas
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases to show respect and appreciation
- Avoid eating at restaurants with low ratings or poor reviews
- Money matters:
- ATMs (available throughout the city, mostly English support)
- Currency exchange (available at airports, banks, and some money changers)
- Tipping culture (not expected, but appreciated for exceptional service)
- Healthcare and insurance considerations:
- Shanghai has a range of international hospitals and clinics
- Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses
- Research local healthcare options and insurance providers before arriving in Shanghai.
